In 2001, The Cosmetic Executive Women Board of Directors came upon a startling realization: Five out of some 40 board members had been diagnosed with cancer. Some of them told their colleagues at work. Others did not. But all continued to work during or following treatment and experienced similar dilemmas.

• How do I tell my boss?
• What will my coworkers think?
• How do I balance work and treatment?
• What can I expect from my employer?
• What are my legal rights? What do other people do?

The truth is, work doesn’t stop once you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. And once diagnosed, work becomes even more important.

Cancer and Careers is a program of the CEW Foundation, the charitable arm of Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc., a New York–based non-profit trade organization of 5,000+ executives in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries. CEW Inc. and Foundation currently work together on providing charitable services and fundraising events.

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